Bathers (or tri shorts/trisuit)Swim caps (given to you in your race kit - colour denotes wave start)Swim goggles - make sure they are comfy and watertight. Make sure the strap is in good condition. Carry these with you to the race start.Wetsuit - it is optional - I am soon to do my first race with one

Agree all here

BIKE

Bicycle computerBikeBike Box for food on bike - you will not need this for an OD - it's 40kms. Some tri suits include a small pocket in the back (think cycling jersey posket) that is perfect for an energy bar (eg Power bar) or gel, which are often given by a sponsor as part of your race kit.Bike shoesBike Socks - you wont need bike socks - they are an extra hinderance in transition - just go barefoot in your cycle shoes - if you're really keen, Torpedo 7 often have good deals on propoer tri (cycling) shoesCo2 cartridges and adaptor - good to have these, and at least one spare tube. Mooloolaba and Noosa I have seen many a flat tyre out on course, and it is a long walk back to Transition.Helmet - mandatory, and it must meet AS/NZS and ADRs (including having the sticker affixed).Pumps - Hand & Track - You need your track pump as it is easier in transition. You can often find someone in transition when setting up on race day who will lend you a track pump. You will need to pump up tyres on race day, as they recommend letting them down to soft while your bike is racked pre-race - it gets hot during the day and the tyre heats up, then cools down overnight, then heats up again on race day, which can lead to the tube bursting - a horrible noise to hear as you run in to trans out of the water and wonder if it yours.Race Wheels only if you have them, or can borow some, and your bike is ZIPP worthy (all the gear and no idea is not the preferred way to be judged).Spare Tubes

RUN

Fuel Belt & Water Bottle Holder - Don't go nuts, a couple gels is plenty. You don't really need a water belt - there is usually plenty of water usually on course - about every 3 kms at Noosa/Mooloolaba. I usually have a bidon of endura or similar in transition which I swig some of quickly between the bike and run as I transition, and I might carry a gel. Noosa also usually has the Pat Carrol Run Group out the back at the 4 km mark giving out snakes (lollies). Good for a quick sugar hit.Hats - something light - a proper run hat, or even the event visor that comes in your race kit. A heavy cotton cap just gets too sweaty and hot I find, while a proper one wicks away for you.Runners - worn in, and comfy.Running Socks I would recommend running socks WAY over riding socks. To set them up, pull them on your feet, then roll them down to your toes so they look like a little beanie. When you come in off the bike, your feet will be sweaty - this way the socks roll on, not bunch and grab as you try to slip them on.

OTHER - TRIATHLON2-3 Gels - e.g. Cargo Shotz/High 5Heart Rate MonitorRace Number BeltsSunnies - not optional - wear them. A pebble from a rear wheel at 40kmh in the eye can really ruin race day.Sunscreen - recommended.Tri shorts - recommended tri suit - optionalTowels I usually put a towel down on the ground in my transition, to wipe my /wet feet on between legs, and to cover stuff up in the event of rain while I'm on course. See below.Water Bottle Bidons - 1x water, 1 x endura or similar.Large garbage bags - it frequently rains overnight at both Mooloolaba and Noosa for some reason. With your bike racked over night, use a garbage bag to cover components from getting wet. Remove it on race day.

MISCELLANEOUSWatch (which should be on your wrist when you start anyway

OTHER ADVICE

Don't wear brand new shoes on race day.Cut your toenails.

Setting up transition - when transition opens on race day, go in and set it up in the order you will need things. (This is also often a good time to put a bit of fuel in the belly - a banana, or a Power bar or similar - it starts your metabolism and by the time you get to race start, you will have energy in the tank, and your body will have already told you that the pipes need to be emptied).

Towel on ground - everything on the towel, stacked so you can get to it.

Bike on rack. Helmet on bike. Sunnies on helmet. Bike shoes on towel (on ground). When you come out of the swim - sunnies on - helmet on - shoes on - grab bike and exit.

Runners on towel. Socks in runners. Hat on top. Number belt on hat. When you come in off the bike - rack bike - helmet off, on towel. Sunnies stay on. Swig water/endura. Gel/bar in pocket. Number belt around waist. Hat on head. Wipe feet, socks roll on. Shoes on feet. Exit.

Setting up transition - when transition opens on race day, go in and set it up in the order you will need things. (This is also often a good time to put a bit of fuel in the belly - a banana, or a Power bar or similar - it starts your metabolism and by the time you get to race start, you will have energy in the tank, and your body will have already told you that the pipes need to be emptied).

Towel on ground - everything on the towel, stacked so you can get to it.

Bike on rack. Helmet on bike. Sunnies on helmet. Bike shoes on towel (on ground). When you come out of the swim - sunnies on - helmet on - shoes on - grab bike and exit.

Runners on towel. Socks in runners. Hat on top. Number belt on hat. When you come in off the bike - rack bike - helmet off, on towel. Sunnies stay on. Swig water/endura. Gel/bar in pocket. Number belt around waist. Hat on head. Wipe feet, socks roll on. Shoes on feet. Exit.

Then - enjoy the moment

Your advice is gold. There is nothing like advice from someone who has actually done it

It was great! Main goal was to finish really and did that, something to build on next time. Managed the swim ok which is by far my weakest leg. Made ground on the bike but lost it when I stopped to help another rider with a flat (which is keeping in the spirit of the event). Had a slow run but managed consistent effort so overall rather proud of myself.

BrisBoy wrote:It was great! Main goal was to finish really and did that, something to build on next time. Managed the swim ok which is by far my weakest leg. Made ground on the bike but lost it when I stopped to help another rider with a flat (which is keeping in the spirit of the event). Had a slow run but managed consistent effort so overall rather proud of myself.

Awesome! Just getting out there and finishing the event is a win in my books. I would love to tri but my cycling is slow, my running is poor and my swimming is mediocre. Back to running this week and hopefully I will make more progress than last year.

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